Rep. Betsy Coffia

Maddy summaryThis bill requires electric utilities in Michigan to hire independent third parties to conduct engineering audits of their distribution systems every five years, with the goal of improving grid reliability and safety. The audits must include a physical inspection of infrastructure and a review of operational processes such as storm restoration and maintenance planning, with all costs paid by the utilities. Additionally, the bill mandates that electric utilities establish programs to help workers transition to new roles during ownership changes, ensuring employees receive comparable wages and benefits for at least 30 months. The Public Service Commission will compile reports on these audits to inform decisions on rates and grid planning.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's Truth in Renting Act to require landlords to include a specific written notice in rental agreements regarding rent increases. The law mandates that landlords provide tenants with at least 90 days' written warning before any rent hike takes effect. Additionally, the bill updates the required text on rental contracts to ensure tenants are clearly informed of their rights under the act and instructed to seek legal help if needed. These changes directly affect landlords and tenants by standardizing how rent increase notices are communicated and ensuring they are prominently displayed in lease documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill, known as the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, would allow tenants in Michigan to get the first chance to buy their rental homes or apartments before the landlord sells them to someone else. It requires landlords to offer the property to tenants at a price and terms that are at least as good as what a third-party buyer would get, or comparable to the property's appraised value if no other offer exists. The law applies to various types of rental units, including apartments and single-family homes, but excludes hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Tenants can exercise this right individually or by forming an association representing a majority of the tenants in the building.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the "Tenants Right to Organize Act" in Michigan, granting residential tenants the legal right to form unions and collectively negotiate with landlords. It allows tenant groups to distribute literature, hold meetings in shared spaces, and organize canvassing efforts by non-tenant organizers, while prohibiting landlords from retaliating against tenants who participate in these activities. The legislation also sets specific penalties for landlords who interfere with organizing rights, including fines of up to $1,000 per violation and the requirement to pay reasonable attorney fees. By defining terms like "tenant union" and outlining permissible activities, the law aims to create a structured framework for collective bargaining within rental properties.

Maddy summaryHB 6095 amends state law to regulate how public utilities in Michigan can raise their rates and charges. The bill requires utilities to obtain approval from the Public Service Commission before increasing costs for customers and mandates that they provide notice and hold hearings for affected parties. It establishes specific timelines for the commission to review rate applications and grants utilities the ability to implement proposed rate increases temporarily if the commission does not act within 180 days, provided they refund any excess amounts later with interest. Additionally, the legislation sets rules for spacing out rate filings by large electric utilities and outlines procedures for seeking immediate partial rate relief for smaller gas utilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's housing law to require landlords and building owners to provide relocation assistance to tenants living in hazardous or dangerous structures. The measure mandates that if an enforcing agency determines unsafe conditions exist due to a landlord's poor maintenance and orders the property vacated or demolished, the responsible party must pay the tenant three months of current rent. This financial aid must be issued within seven business days of the order and applies regardless of whether the tenant is up to date on rent payments. The provision ensures that this assistance is in addition to any other legal remedies available under existing housing laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric and natural gas utilities in Michigan from including specific administrative and political expenses in the rates charged to customers. It explicitly bans the recovery of costs related to executive compensation, fines, lobbying, advertising, charitable donations, and trade association memberships. If the Public Service Commission determines that a utility has improperly collected these fees, it must order a refund to customers with interest and impose escalating fines based on the number of violations. Any fines levied under this new rule would be directed toward a fund designed to assist low-income individuals with energy costs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 17, 2026, as Cherry Industry Day in Michigan to honor the state's significant role in cherry production. The measure recognizes the economic and cultural importance of the cherry industry, which supports growers, processors, and rural communities across the state. By officially acknowledging this date, the bill aims to celebrate Michigan's heritage as the nation's leading tart cherry producer and the traditions surrounding its annual festivals.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June 2026 as Gun Violence Awareness Month in Michigan to honor victims and support survivors of firearm-related incidents. The measure serves as a symbolic declaration intended to encourage community engagement and awareness regarding the impacts of gun violence. It does not alter any laws or create new regulations but rather establishes an official observance period for public education and remembrance.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new community solar program in Michigan, allowing residents to subscribe to local solar projects and receive credits on their electricity bills. It defines specific terms for these facilities and subscribers, while also categorizing certain areas as "environmental justice communities" based on factors like low-income populations and existing pollution. The legislation requires the state energy commission to create rules that facilitate the creation and financing of these solar projects, prioritizing those that benefit environmental justice communities. Additionally, the bill mandates simple, one-page disclosure forms for all subscription contracts to ensure customers clearly understand the terms before signing.